Condo In-Unit Washer/Dryer - Some units have them others don't

Started by BernieG • 11 replies • 2898 views

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BernieG (New Jersey)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Hi,

I'm in the process of buying a 2nd floor condo in New Jersey. I would like to put in an in-unit compact washer/(ventless) dryer, and I have the hookup in the linen closet already.

This complex has laundry in the basement and they charge money to use them, however, I know from talking to the current owner and other listings that I've seen online that there are definitely units that have an in-unit washer/dryer.

I was talking to the property manager and asked her about this and she said that she knows that there are units that have a washer/dryer but they are on the 1st floor and they don't allow them on the 2nd floor, but then she also states that the condo association doesn't want people to have them because they lose money due to people not paying for laundry in the basement.

Based on my research, I found a bunch of 2nd floor condos that show an in-unit washer/dryer so she wasn't being truthful in her statement, and if I can't install an in-unit washer/dryer I'm not going to use their laundry anyway so they won't be losing any money because I would rather just use a drop off/pick up laundry service instead.

From talking to the current owner, I asked her if I could install an in-unit washer/dryer and her response was she knows units that have done this and it's like a "don't ask, don't tell" type of policy.

I feel it's unfair that the association allows some units to have an in-unit washer/dryer but the property manager is telling me I can't. I feel like if I belong to this complex the rules should apply to everyone or not, they shouldn't be allowed to tell some owners they can't when other owners do have in-unit washer/dryers.

I read the by-laws and I don't see anything stating specifically that in-unit washer/dryers are not allowed.

I was going to go ahead and install an in-unit washer/dryer but if the property manager says something to me, would I have any rights to go against the condo association because of this double standard?

Thank you!

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

This won't be in your bylaws, Bernie, but maybe in your CC&Rs ( AKA Covenants; declaration. restrictions.) Or it might be in some architectural guidelines.

You should not do anything until you have something in writing about this topic from the HOA's board of directors. You'd be asking for trouble to do it on your own!

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I do not believe this has anything to do with the HOA/Condo making money by those laundry machines. A HOA's purpose is not to make a profit. It's just to break-even with it's expenses. Laundry machines aren't that much of a money maker considering the electricity, water, maintenance, and other expenses. They probably charge enough to cover those expenses or having those machines.

Let's now let logic sneak in here. Any water leak above the 1st floor can cause litany of issues. It's best the washer has burst type hoses installed. Who is going to regulate that? One leak and you now have 2 floors of people effected. The fire risk is also a consideration. Lint build up and it catches fire. Anyone above the 1st floor is at more risk of death or injury trying to escape.

Let's not forget those 12 people who died in Brooklyn recently. A kid playing with the stove caught the kitchen on fire. The mother panicked and took kid outside. Left the door open. That caused the stairwell to act like a fire chimney. No one could escape.

So you may want to be okay with the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy of your other neighbors. I would not be and walk away. I would never think a washer/dryer installed without approval on a 2nd floor or above is a safe thing. Rules or no rules. Common sense.

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Bernie,

My suggestion, put in the sales contract the required prior approval for a washer/dryer.
If approval isn't granted, then you can walk away from the contract and find a condo that allows W/D.
If approval is granted, you are home free.

AugustinD
Posts: 5,144

Posted:

TimB4 nailed it.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

A little confused, Bernie. You said you'd already converted a linen closet. Doesn't that mean your escrow already has closed? Even though you say you're "in the process of buying?" Or do you mean the current owner put the hook-ups in the linen closet.

If you don't own and feel you must have the alliances, follow Tim's advice. My HOA is a multi-story coco and no owners may penetrate the walls past th sheet rock without the approval of the Architectural Committee. Sometime, the board of directors fills this role.

BernieG (New Jersey)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Thank you for all the quick replies!

@KerryL1 Ok, I'll try requesting a CC&Rs ( AKA Covenants; declaration. restrictions.) to see if it says anything.

@TimB4 Yes, that's a good approach; too! I really like this place but I already have a gut feeling that they won't give me approval just based on talking to the property manager.

If they don't give me approval, would I be able to fight this by telling them it's unjust by showing them units that I've seen that have sold online that show an in-unit washer/dryer?

@KerryL1 No, I didn't convert the linen closet; the current owner set up the hookups for that.

===================================================

I agree that if a washer/dryer is not allowed, then I feel the board/property manager should enforce that rule/law so ALL condo owners follow it. I just don't like the fact that I'm fully aware that there are multiple condo units on the 2nd floor that have a washer/dryer, while the property manager and most likely the board now about it and they allow this.

However, now when I want to do do the same setup I'm confronted with resistance. If that's the case, then the property manager/board should force all condos with in-unit washer/dryers to be removed. I just feel annoyed buying this condo knowing that they are allowing other condo owners the comfort to have an in-unit washer/dryer.

Thank you!

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

So exactly how they supposed to enforce a He said/she said situation? They can't enter the homes right? Plus it's voluntary. Do you want your neighbors you do not know to come into your home to enforce a rule? That's basically what your asking to do. How exactly are rules enforced and by who?

I would consult your insurance company. One pipe burst or fire and your on the hook. It's NOT the HOA's fault that your illegal washer/dryers were installed. Ignorance is bliss they say. So once you or any of the neighbors face that day of reckoning... Who you going to blame?

Former HOA President

BernieG (New Jersey)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 01/14/2018 11:07 AM
So exactly how they supposed to enforce a He said/she said situation? They can't enter the homes right? Plus it's voluntary. Do you want your neighbors you do not know to come into your home to enforce a rule? That's basically what your asking to do. How exactly are rules enforced and by who?

I would consult your insurance company. One pipe burst or fire and your on the hook. It's NOT the HOA's fault that your illegal washer/dryers were installed. Ignorance is bliss they say. So once you or any of the neighbors face that day of reckoning... Who you going to blame?

I never owned a condo and not sure how the condo association enforces rules, but if they have rules they should have all condo owners follow them; especially if they are already aware of specific units that are violating this without needing to enter the unit.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Who says they are aware? Your assuming they are aware because you did the research. How many people do you think go looking for condos/houses in their existing complex to find out who has what? Have you done a search lately of your own neighborhood? It's not like people in your condo/HOA are going to do this on any kind of regular basis or at all.

So I would say it's up to the seller to make the condo/HOA aware of others having these connections. They are a member of the HOA/Condo. I would want the HOA/condo to know so they could enforce or approve. It puts ALOT of people at risk.

As for enforcement, that is up to each HOA/Condo. Some fine, some remove, and some do nothing at all. Since this is inside a home my guess they don't go in to investigate or enforce. What will happen is if something breaks, they may send an emergency repair person in and charge you for the visit.

BTW: Seriously if someone thinks they are having the laundry for making money for the HOA, that makes no sense. The HOA is you and your neighbors. To complain that they are making money makes no sense at all. It means you and your neighbors are making money. What's there to complain about? It's more of a water damage/fire hazard thing to me.

Former HOA President

PaiN
Posts: 73

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BernieG on 01/14/2018 11:22 AM

I never owned a condo and not sure how the condo association enforces rules, but if they have rules they should have all condo owners follow them; especially if they are already aware of specific units that are violating this without needing to enter the unit.

It would be a bad bad idea to start now.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Also read the HOA's architectrual guidelines and other rules, Bernie.

Since Melissa doesn't own in a condo building, she's unaware that there are many reasons the HOA board, management or the HOA's agents may enter condos, thus many ways they can tell if walls have been penetrated, which usually requires HOA approval.

With PaiN, it doesn't sound like you' condo materials, Bernie. Like he says caveat emptor! read ALL HOA documents before you close escrow.

Btw, you will get nowhere arguing that you should get to install this appliance just because others did. It often just doesn't work in HOAs. And in your case there are way too many things you don't seem to know about.

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